Abstract:
The response to protein and the requirements for sulfur amino acids and lysine have been evaluated in male turkeys throughout the growth period as an experimental validation of model-calculated requirements (Hurwitz et al., 1983). The sulfur amino acid requirements were 3.4 and 3.1 mg/kcal for 1- and 5-week-old turkeys, respectively. The requirements for lysine were 4.8, 2.7, and 2.2 mg/kcal for 1-, 12-, and 16-week-old turkeys, respectively, which were in close agreement with the model predictions. Dietary protein in diets calculated on the basis of the model was sufficient to maintain maximal growth and feed efficiency. The results were the basis for accepting the general validity of the model-calculated requirements (Hurwitz et al., 1983).